Amendment 0003.pdf

(x)

12837120R0013 x x

1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

ALBUQUERQUE NM 87102

333 BROADWAY SE

SOUTHWESTERN REGION

07/10/20200003

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

05/26/2020

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this Amendment is to provide several changes made to the Solicitation

(Highlighted).

The purpose of this Amendment is to change the due date of all questions for this solicitation and to extend the due date for all proposals.

-Offers shall be emailed to Ellena Silva at: ellena.silva@usda.gov

-Offer must be received no later than 1700 MS on 07/26/2020.

-For contract or general questions email the ACO Ellena Silva no later than 1700MT on

07/15/2020.

-Ellena Silva: ellena.silva@usda.gov

-There will be no questions accepted after this date.

Continued ...

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

JOLEEN R. DEDMON

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 2

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

12837120R0013/0003

Interested contractors must sign and return this Amendment acknowledging that they understand all changes that have been made to this Solicitation.

Period of Performance: 08/24/2020 to 08/23/2025

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Southwest Region 3 Fuels IDIQ 12837120R0013

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B- SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS.

B-1 Schedule of Items-BASE CONTRACT

*All treatment categories must be bid on to be considered as one of the awardees. Within the contract five-year ordering period there will be 12-month pricing periods on which each contractor must quote. These values shall be the contractor’s maximum unit values. Individual task orders will be competed amongst contract awardees at which time the awardees may submit lower pricing depending on the project.

Ordering Period Year 08/24/2020-08/23/2021

Manual Vegetation Treatment Line Items Item No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

1 Manual Thinning Acre

2 Intermediate Treatment Acre 3 Lop and Scatter Acre 4 Manual Piling Acre 5 Pile Covering Acre 6 Hand Constructed Fireline Linear

Foot/Mile

/ft.

/mi.

7 Hand Constructed Fuel Break Acre

Mechanical Vegetation Treatment Line Items

No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

8 Mechanical Thinning Acre

9 Skidding/Decking Acre 10 Mastication Acre 11 Machine Piling Acre 12 Machine Fuel Break Acre 13 Machine Fireline Linear

14 Chipping / Grinding Acre

Ordering Period Year 08/24/2021-08/23/2022

No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

1 Manual Thinning Acre

2 Intermediate Treatment Acre 3 Lop and Scatter Acre 4 Manual Piling Acre 5 Pile Covering Acre

No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

8 Mechanical Thinning Acre

9 Skidding/Decking Acre 10 Mastication Acre 11 Machine Piling Acre 12 Machine Fuel Break Acre

Ordering Period Year 08/24/2022-08/23/2023

No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

1 Manual Thinning Acre

2 Intermediate Treatment Acre 3 Lop and Scatter Acre 4 Manual Piling Acre 5 Pile Covering Acre

No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

8 Mechanical Thinning Acre

9 Skidding/Decking Acre 10 Mastication Acre 11 Machine Piling Acre 12 Machine Fuel Break Acre

Ordering Period Year 08/24/2023-08/23/2024

No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

1 Manual Thinning Acre

2 Intermediate Treatment Acre 3 Lop and Scatter Acre 4 Manual Piling Acre 5 Pile Covering Acre

No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

8 Mechanical Thinning Acre

9 Skidding/Decking Acre 10 Mastication Acre 11 Machine Piling Acre 12 Machine Fuel Break Acre

Ordering Period Year 08/24/2024-08/23/2025

No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

1 Manual Thinning Acre

2 Intermediate Treatment Acre 3 Lop and Scatter Acre 4 Manual Piling Acre 5 Pile Covering Acre

No.

Description Unit Of Measure

Maximum Unit Price

8 Mechanical Thinning Acre

9 Skidding/Decking Acre 10 Mastication Acre 11 Machine Piling Acre 12 Machine Fuel Break Acre

Company Name:_______________________________________

DUNS Number:________________________________________

Company POC:________________________________________

Estimated Quantities for the Entire Life of the Contract:

Manual (Hand) Thinning: 50,000 acres Intermediate Treatments: 15,000 acres Lop & Scatter: 75,000 acres Manual Piling: 50,000 acres Pile Covering: 5,000 acres Hand Constructed Fireline: 500 miles Hand Constructed Fuel Break: 250 miles Mechanical Thinning: 100,000 acres Skidding / Decking: 60,000 acres Mastication: 150,000 acres Machine Piling: 37,500 acres Machine Fuel Break: 500 miles Machine Fireline: 250 miles Chipping / Grinding: 5,000 acres

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Task Orders (TO): Task orders will be awarded if funding is provided by Congress, each fiscal year, over the life of the contract.

Individual Task Orders will be issued for various project areas. Performance specifications may vary by task order. All acreages will be measured using a “Geographical Position System” (GPS) and are determined on a horizontal plane within plus or minus Five Percent (5%) (Unless otherwise specified per individual task order). This 5% (or otherwise specified) variation in acreage shall not require a decrease in total funds allocated to a Task Order, nor shall any additional funding be added to cover an increase in acreage for the same variation.

Fair Opportunity: Government will use the Fair Opportunity procedure for Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity contracts to award/obligate Task Orders.

Minimum Guarantee: The minimum guarantee (See Ordering Clauses) for each awarded contract under the IDIQ shall be one-time $2,500 for life of contract.

Right of Refusal: Awarded Contractors may refuse a Task Order offered by the Government.

Once a Task Order is accepted and obligated, Awarded Contractor is required to complete the work of the Task Order or be subject to default as defined in FAR 52.249-8 Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service) APR 1984.

Fire Plan: a fire plan relevant to the location of each Task Order will be included with each Task Order awarded from this IDIQ

WAGE DETERMINATION CLARIFICATION– Each Task Order awarded from this IDIQ will include a Wage Determination applicable to that Task Order and locality. The current Wage Rates can also be found at https://beta.sam.gov/.

https://beta.sam.gov/

SECTION C—DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

R3 FUELS & VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IDIQ

BASE CONTRACT

STATEMENT OF WORK

BACKGROUND

Project areas are reforestation areas, natural and managed stands of timber woodlands, shrub fields or grass areas of all ages, size and species. Fuels will consist of harvest activity slash and natural fuels, live fuels, piled fuels and slashed shrubs and trees. Treatments such as brushing, piling, fuel hazard modification have been shown to reduce the risk of wildland fire and the severity of fires that do occur. Intent is to treat fuels present on identified units to reduce fuel loadings, improve forest and watershed health and optimize treatment of those fuels to facilitate the reintroduction and or maintenance of fire on the landscape as well as reduce the potential of negative effects associated with uncharacteristic high severity wildfire. The desired outcome of these activities is to improve the overall health and condition of Forest Service land by maintaining the health, increasing the quality of economic services, and protecting natural resources across the landscape.

1.0 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The services in this contract are designed to provide for fuels treatment, wildfire hazard reduction, and related services.

This contract requires vegetation manipulation, burn unit preparation, stand improvement and other related activities in compliance with its terms, specifications and provisions. The work ordered by the Government under this contract may require the use of heavy machinery and equipment or necessitate the use of manual labor and / or hand crews. Work requiring the use of equipment may include, for example, thinning, mastication, cut/ skid/ deck, excavator/ machine piling, chipping, fireline/ fuelbreak construction, and other activities related to vegetation and fuels management objectives. Manual labor and/or hand crew work may include (but is not limited to) hand tree thinning, hand piling, slashing/bucking, hand constructed fireline and fuel break and other non-mechanized activities necessary to comply with contract specifications The Contractor shall furnish everything necessary, including, but not limited to all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies, and incidentals to perform work under this contract. The Contractor shall perform all aspects of the work in an organized, systematic manner, ensuring that the services are completely performed over the entire area(s) specified.

2.0 LOCATION OF PROJECT AREAS

This contract is for performance on any of the National Forests and Grasslands within the boundaries of the Southwestern Region (Region Three) of the U.S. Forest Service as authorized herein. The National Forests included are as follows:

• Apache-Sitgreaves

• Carson

• Cibola

• Coconino

• Coronado

• Gila

• Kaibab

• Lincoln

• Prescott

• Santa Fe

• Tonto

The National Grasslands included are as follows:

• Rita Blanca

• Kiowa

• Black Kettle

Task Orders issued under this contract will include specific information regarding the project worksite location and description, access to the areas, work items ordered, size of units and other information pertinent to each Task Order.

2.1 Zones

This contract will not be separated into zones. Contractors must submit a proposal for all areas of the contract.

Task Orders issued under this contract will include specific information regarding the project worksite location and description, access to the areas, work items ordered, size of units and other information pertinent to each Task Order.

2.2 Boundaries of Project Areas

The project areas are generally identifiable by changes in vegetation, roads, paint, flagging, or through geographical information systems (GIS) data, maps, etc. The boundaries can be adjacent timber stands, recent harvest units, or other natural or manmade features that clearly define the boundary as noted on the project area maps. Work on this contract may require the Contractor to have global positioning system (GPS) capabilities in order to identify treatment areas and/or project boundaries. The Government may provide shape files or track logs electronically (via email or at the pre-work meeting) to the Contractor which shall identify treatment unit boundaries and treatment islands with the project area boundary. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to upload the shape files to the GPS equipment and provide any technical support for problems with the Contractor owned equipment if GPS. Contractor may be required to track and submit GPS data as indicated in individual task orders.

2.3 Access to Project Areas

Access is by all-weather and seasonal roads. Seasonal roads may be impassable for several days after heavy rains, or snow-blocked during the winter months. Some units require the Contractor to walk; access will be from the closest open road as defined on the motor vehicle use map. After initial clearing of the access roads by the Government, the Contractor shall clear any subsequent falling of trees that block roads needed to access units. Contractor is responsible for monitoring road conditions and avoiding roads during seasonal periods when travel may cause excess damage to road surfaces and other road improvements. If, as a result of contractor activity, damage occurs to roads or road improvements, the contractor must notify the Contracting Officer Representative. Contractor may be held responsible for repairs to roads caused by negligent actions. Individual task orders will indicate access for each treatment unit.

2.4 Special Requirements

In order to comply with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinions the following restrictions shall apply unless otherwise specified in the task order.

o MSO (Mexican Spotted Owl) – No activities from March 1 – August 31 o GSH (Northern Goshawk) – No activities from March 1 – September 30 o Other restrictions may apply to other Threatened and Endangered or Sensitive species.

Contractor Work Requirements and Standards Work Activities.

Task Orders may include detailed specifications. The Contractor shall perform work in accordance with the detailed specifications identified in each Task Order. Unless otherwise specified in Task Orders issued under this contract, the Contractor shall comply with the following specifications for the identified work activities:

3.0 TASK ITEM DESCRIPTIONS

Task Item Descriptions Each task order will issue a Request for Quote (RFQ) that will identify the task items to be ordered and provide a Statement of Work (SOW) which will describe the treatment prescription, unit quantity to be ordered and any special instructions. Task item descriptions (below) for both manual and mechanical task items are meant to identify the scope of the work that may be required and/ or, if not defined in the SOW, serve as the default requirements for that task item. For all task item descriptions, the SOW may specify prescriptions and requirements that are more refined and specific but will be within the general / default scope definition. For all task items, treatment specifications will be determined by the task order. Task orders may include supplementary details or utilize the base contract specifications.

The line items may be cumulative. For example, if a task order calls for thinning and lop and scatter, contractors will need to provide pricing for thinning PLUS the cost of lop and scatter.

Manual Treatment Task Item Description

1. Manual Thinning Thinning activity through the means of manual removal (chainsaws) to reduce the density of vegetation by purposeful selection of vegetation to leave. Sever stems to levels and standards specified in the task order. Thinning may be designated by either vegetation to be cut and/or vegetation to leave. Thinning shall be accomplished throughout the entire unit, excluding areas identified by the task order as reserved from treatment. Treatment specifications for thinning are determined by the task order.

Selection of Leave Trees

The Contractor shall use the Task Order specifications and the characteristics of desirable leave trees and requirements in this section for selecting leave trees. The work requirements are based on the overall composition and condition of the stand and are intended to be a guideline for achieving the desired final condition. The Contractor shall use its silvicultural knowledge to identify and adjust to any conditions within the stand and notify the COR of any conditions not addressed in the task order specifications. The Contractor shall recognize any insect, disease or animal damage problems and report them to the COR if it is not recognized in the task order.

The Government, at the suggestion of the Contractor, may revise work requirements upon approval by the COR.

Alternate requirements must meet the overall stand objectifies to be considered by the COR.

Spacing Method for Leave Tree Selection The Contractor shall select the most desirable leave trees based on the requirements in the task order and desirable leave tree characteristics within the acceptable stocking density. Altering the spacing to select the most desirable tree within the spacing guide identified in the task order requirements is permissible.

Cutting Trees Not Selected as Leave Trees All trees not selected as leave trees shall be cut. All cut trees shall be completely severed and have no live limbs remaining on the stump thus preventing the tree from growing new vegetative material. Cut trees shall be secured so they do not roll down hill and shall not be hung-up on other trees or vegetation or impede archeological sites.

Stump height on 12-inch or greater diameter trees (diameter at the cut) shall be no more than 12 inches measured from the uphill side. Stump height on 12-inch or less diameter trees (diameter at the cut) shall be no more than 6 inches. Individual task order may modify this requirement.

Examples of Desirable Leave Tree Characteristics:

Trees that are desirable to be leave trees have the following characteristics:

• Straight stem

• Small branch diameter Branches horizontal or slightly angled to bole

• Free of insect or disease damage and/or symptoms.

• Vigorous annual terminal growth (especially in last 1 to 3 years)

• Crown class of dominant or co-dominant

• Crown ratio is 40% or larger

Characteristics of trees that are not desirable for leave trees:

• Multiple tops

• Poor crown form

• Crook or sweep in bole

• Dead or broken tops

• Presence of insect or diseases

2. Intermediate Treatment

Intermediate treatments may include a range of fuel redistribution activities to address horizontal and or vertical vegetation accumulations. Examples may include pruning/ limbing, brushing, grubbing or slashing. The unit information on each task order will describe what treatments are to be done. Intermediate treatment may be requested individually if limited in scope or in tandem with another line item such as lop and scatter or piling. Any variations in the disposal methods listed below will be described in the task order unit information.

Treatment along roads shall be accomplished without affecting the proper functioning of channels leading to and from drainage structures.

Slash treatment along roads shall be lopped and placed on or near the ground surface. Slash shall be bucked, lopped and or scattered according to the specifications in the task order. Cut material shall not lean against an uncut tree stump, log or any obstacle or impede any archaeological site. It shall be secure and not able to roll down the hill.

Bucking is required regardless of height of slash above the ground, when specified in the task order. Bucked lengths will also be specified.

Intermediate treatments shall be concurrent and progressive with the thinning/ other treatment or as specified in the task order. The Contractor shall not move into a new unit without the completion of intermediate treatment.

All trails indicated on project maps and all open roads, right of way or other utility corridors, fence lines etc., within or adjacent to the unit shall be kept free of slash at all times.

3. Lop and Scatter Separating branches or limbs from cut/thinned main steam and bucking main steam to specified lengths and scattering slash throughout the treatment unit. The task order will specify leave vegetation species, quantities and spacing.

Treatment specifications for lop and scatter are determined by the task order. The specifications are based on the amount of the vegetation to be treated, access to the project site, and height requirements of slash.

All treatment slash shall be placed on or near the ground surface as specified in task order. Lopped material shall not lean against an uncut tree, stump, log or any other obstacle. Scattered material shall not be placed under driplines of leave vegetation.

Lop and scatter treatments shall be concurrent with the cutting/thinning. The contractor shall not move to a new unit without completion of treatment.

4. Manual Piling

(i) Hand piling may include piling of slash generated by thinning activities and/or natural accumulations of fuels as specified by the silvicultural prescription or in the site-specific Task Order. Piles shall be constructed to facilitate full consumption when they are burned. Piles shall be located outside of residual/leave tree driplines, in openings or areas of low tree densities to minimize damage to residual trees when the piles are burned. At the discretion of the COR isolated areas of Contractor-generated and/or pre-existing down wood within a hand pile unit may be scattered and not piled in areas of light slash densities.

(ii) Task Orders for hand piling work may designate a range of tons per acre (tpa) of course woody debris to be retained on the ground and scattered as much as practical throughout the unit for nutrient cycling and microsite purposes. Material to be left as course woody debris will be relatively free of limbs and needles. Exact amounts and size classes will be designated in the individual Task Orders.

(iii) At the discretion of the COR, piles constructed on slopes in excess of 35% may be secured by leaving one or two activity generated stump(s) per pile 4-6 feet in height with a minimum stump diameter of 4 inches or greater, slash shall be piled perpendicular to the stump(s) on the uphill side.

(iv) Unless otherwise specified in the silvicultural prescription or the site-specific Task Order, piles shall be constructed as follows: All Contractor-generated slash and/or pre-existing down wood to be piled shall be limbed flush with the bole to a minimum diameter of 1 inch on two opposing sides and bucked into pieces 8 feet or less in length prior to piling. Piles shall be 6-12 feet in diameter, minimum of 6-8 feet in height, shall be constructed compact, shall have a good base to prevent the pile from toppling and shall not be made on down logs, rotten stumps or rocks. Material shall be piled in a parallel configuration, similar to pencils in a box. Once a pile meets the minimum diameter and height; slash may be added vertically on the edge of a pile to prevent the pile from toppling. Material used to build piles shall not exceed 8 feet in length. All objects which extend more than 2 feet in any direction from the pile profile shall be cut off and returned to the pile.

5. Pile Covering

Pile covering may be required on hand-piling work issued under this contract and will be designated in the silvicultural prescription or the site-specific Task Order. When pile covering is required, the Contractor shall cover piles with a burnable water-repellent paper or plastic film sheet that is no less than 3mm in thickness. All coverings shall be approved by the COR. For example, the COR will approve 80# kraft paper, that is burnable, water-repellant paper and that is non-toxic when burned. The COR will not approve tar paper to be used for pile covering. Covering shall be placed within the pile such that ¾ the diameter and ¾ of the height of the pile is covered and held firmly in place by heavy slash on top of it.

6. Hand Constructed Fireline

(i) The Forest Service will designate firelines on the ground and provide the Contractor with a written description of the work standards in the silvicultural prescription or the Task Order.

(ii)Unless otherwise specified in the task order, hand constructed fireline consists of utilizing hand tools to scrape a continuous mineral soil line, not less than 18 inches wide. Cut material and existing down wood removed from the fireline shall be scattered within the cutting area and not windrowed or otherwise concentrated adjacent to the fireline. All existing stumps and snags within the fireline clearing limits shall be cut flush at ground level and/or scraped around down to mineral soil to remove fuels and prevent ignition. Do not mix slash with side cast material. Fireline shall be constructed on the exterior edge of the existing or newly constructed fuel break.

(iii) On under-slung line, a cup trench using the specifications found in each task order will be constructed. When fireline is constructed, berms shall be pulled to the outside edge of the constructed fireline, and outside of the unit. When required by the silvicultural prescription or Task Order Prescription waterbars will be installed to set specifications.

7. Hand Constructed Fuel break

(i) When required by the silvicultural prescription or task order the fuel break may be up to 50 feet wide, with the exact width designated in the site-specific Task Order. Unless otherwise specified in the Task order, all woody debris over 1 inch in diameter and over 1 foot in length within the fuel break shall be moved into the unit.

(ii) When standing vegetation is specified for removal in the task order, the fuel break shall be cleared of all standing vegetation over 16 inches in height and under 12 feet in height and less than 6 inches in diameter. Any tree left within this area shall be limbed to a maximum height of 8 feet.

(iii) All vegetative material removed from the fuel break shall be scattered within the unit and not windrowed or otherwise concentrated adjacent to the fuel break. Where the unit lies upslope from the fuel break, all material over 3 inches in diameter that is cast into the unit will be laid so it will not roll back into fuel break. Stump heights shall not exceed 4 inches above ground level as measured on the uphill side, or 4 inches above natural obstacles. All existing stumps and snags within the fuel break clearing limits shall be cut flush at ground level and/or scraped around down to mineral soil to remove fuels and prevent ignition.

Mechanical Treatment Task Item Descriptions

8. Mechanical Thinning Vegetation manipulation activity through the means of mechanical treatment (heavy equipment) to reduce the density of vegetation(s) by purposeful selection of vegetation to leave. Sever stems to levels and standards specified in the task order. Thinning may be designated by either vegetation to be cut and/or vegetation to leave. Thinning shall be accomplished throughout the entire unit, excluding areas identified by the task order as reserved from treatment.

Treatment specifications, including type of allowable equipment, for thinning are determined by the task order.

When designated by vegetation to leave, each task order will specify acceptable density of leave vegetation, vegetation size limits for treatment including height or diameter, whether hardwoods and/or conifers are included, preferred vegetation leave trees/species (see Desirable Leave Tree Characteristics list below), unique treatment unit requirements and if any individual species are reserved from treatment. All vegetation not designated as leave shall be cut. Leave vegetation shall not be damaged in the operation. As a safety measure, no sharply angled stumps or “punji sticks” will be left.

All cut vegetation shall be completely severed from the base/stump and have no live limbs remaining above cut to prevent growing new vegetative material. Cut/thinned vegetation designated to remain on site shall be secured so they do not roll down hill and shall not be hung up on other trees or vegetation.

Stump height on 12-inch or greater diameter trees (diameter at the cut) shall be no more than 12 inches measured from the uphill side. Stump height on trees less than 12-inch diameter (diameter at the cut) shall be no more than 6 inches.

Examples of Desirable Leave Tree Characteristics:

Trees that are desirable to be leave trees have the following characteristics:

• Straight stem

• Small branch diameter Branches horizontal or slightly angled to bole

• Free of insect or disease damage and/or symptoms.

• Vigorous annual terminal growth (especially in last 1 to 3 years)

• Crown class of dominant or co-dominant

• Crown ratio is 40% or larger

Characteristics of trees that are not desirable for leave trees:

• Multiple tops

• Poor crown form

• Crook or sweep in bole

• Dead or broken tops

• Presence of insect or diseases

9. Skidding/Decking When specified in the Task Order, Logging slash 4-inches or larger in diameter and 4-feet or more in length (or with dimensions as otherwise specified) shall be decked free of other slash by piling pieces parallel to each other at agreed-upon locations with the Forest Service representative.

(i) Silvicultural prescriptions maybe provided for each tree removal project. Work may include but is not limited to the following activities:

(ii)Skidding/Yarding/Forwarding of trees designated for removal.

(iii) Whole tree processing to a top diameter and length designated in the individual Task Order.

(iv) Decking of trees in a way that makes them accessible to a self-loading truck

(v) Pertinent slash treatment designated in the individual Task Order

(vi) Landing Preparation and Cleanup

(vii) Woody material retrieval

10. Mastication When mastication will be used for thinning as specified in the Task Order, Contractor-generated slash and/or pre-existing down wood shall be mowed/mulched/shredded in the unit.

Unless otherwise specified in the Task Order, the dimensions of the slash debris pieces resulting from mastication shall not exceed 3 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length and shall not accumulate to a depth exceeding 4 inches.

(i) Silvicultural prescriptions or similar specifications will be provided for each mastication project.

(ii) Masticated material will be within the following specifications unless otherwise designated in the individual Task Order: 75% of chips from masticating must be less than 3 feet in length, 25% of chips from masticating may be greater than 3 feet in length however, a slash depth must be no more than 1 foot in height.

(iii) Acceptable concentrations of masticated debris will be designated in the individual Task Orders.

(iv) In addition to standing vegetation, mastication of existing down wood may be required in some individual Task Orders.

(v) No vegetative slash or debris shall be more than 8 inches deep as measured from the ground level.

(vi) No individual pieces of slash or vegetative debris shall be greater than 4 feet in length.

(vii) All boles or pieces up to 10 inches in diameter shall be masticated.

(viii) All cut vegetation shall be kept within unit boundaries. Any cut vegetation falling into ditches, roads, road banks, trails or adjacent units shall immediately be removed.

(ix) Specified brush, saplings or seedlings within the work areas shall be masticated to within 2 feet of leave trees without damage to the leave trees.

(x) No masticated or cut material shall lean against or be suspended by a leave crop tree.

11. Machine Piling.

Piling of material within treatment unit utilizing heavy equipment.

Treatment specifications, including the types of allowable equipment, for machine piling are determined by the task order Task order will define; residual area tons per acre amount, arrangement and size of down woody material to be left in the unit and/or added in the pile, pile size, pile location, and proximity to leave trees. May include existing downed timber which will be identified in the task orders.

All piles shall be constructed in a manner that will promote complete consumption of piled materials. Slash material that causes large air spaces in piles shall be cut and piled to eliminate air spaces. Each pile shall include an ignition area of small sized slash (small branches less than ¼ to ½ inch in diameter and/or small branches with needles or leaves attached) to provide “kindling” for prompt ignition and to aid in combustion of larger slash. These fuels shall be placed in the center of the pile. Piles shall be compact, dirt and trash free, and piled in such a manner that will allow them to burn completely.

If task order does not define proximity to leave trees; then, piles shall not be located within dripline or as specified in task order. Task order will define pile size and maximum transport distance to gather material to construct the pile.

(i) Machine piling may include piling of slash generated by thinning activities and/or natural accumulations of fuels as specified by the silvicultural prescription or in the site-specific Task Order. Piles shall be constructed to facilitate full consumption when they are burned. Piles shall be located outside of residual/leave tree driplines, in openings or areas of low tree densities to minimize damage to residual trees when the piles are burned. At the discretion of the COR, isolated areas of Contractor-generated and/or pre-existing down wood within a machine pile unit may be scattered and not piled in areas of light slash densities.

(ii) Task Orders for machine piling work may designate a range of course woody debris to be retained on the ground and scattered as much as practical throughout the unit for nutrient cycling and microsite purposes.

Material to be left as course woody debris will be relatively free of limbs and needles. Exact amounts, size classes and method of measurement (tons per acre, number of pieces pre acre or other methods) will be designated in the individual Task Orders.

(iii) Unless otherwise specified in the silvicultural prescription or the site specific Task Order, piles shall be constructed as follows: Piles shall be 8-15 feet in diameter, minimum of 8-10 feet in height, shall be constructed compact and free of dirt and duff, shall have a good base to prevent the pile from toppling and shall not be made on down logs, rotten stumps or rocks. Material shall be piled in a parallel configuration, similar to pencils in a box. Once a pile meets the minimum diameter and height; slash may be added vertically on the edge of a pile to prevent the pile from toppling. Material used to build piles shall not exceed 8 feet in length. All objects which extend more than 2 feet in any direction from the pile profile shall be cut off and returned to the pile. No stumps shall be placed in piles.

12. Machine Fuel Break.

(i) Fuel break construction will consist of removing all down wood greater than 2 inches diameter from a specified width and scattered in a way that does not create a windrow or add less than 1 foot to the existing fuel bed depth.

(ii) Fuel break construction may consist of cutting and removing standing vegetation of a certain diameter from the designated fuel break width as well as removal of down wood. Exact specifications will be designated in the individual task order.

13. Machine Fireline

Unless otherwise specified in the task order, mechanical constructed fireline consists of utilizing mechanized/heavy equipment to scrape a continuous mineral soil line. No berms of dirt or vegetation shall be allowed on the inside edge of the constructed fireline. Do not mix slash with side cast material and fireline shall be constructed on the exterior/interior edge of the existing unit boundary, or as specified in the task order. Additional vegetation removal including thinning (manual or mechanical, piling, etc may be ordered in conjunction with Mechanical Fireline Construction to meet objectives for prescribed fire preparation.

(i) Fireline will remove and scatter fuel and duff only enough to expose mineral soil for a specified width.

(ii) Existing slash will not be buried or covered with dirt during the construction of the fireline. When fireline is located on steep slopes, construction of waterbars may be required to mitigate erosion potential. When waterbars are required, specifications and locations will be identified in the individual Task Order.

14. Chipping/Grinding.

(i) Chipping or grinding of fuels may occur within a designated area or existing fuel concentrations and will be designated in the individual Task Order. The Task Order will specify how chips will be dispersed or piled.

Unique Features of Project Areas Standing timber, wildlife trees, and snags may be present within the project sites. Research plots or special protection buffers may be located within the project boundaries. These may have seasonal restrictions on operations and cannot be disturbed during project treatments.

Resource Protection All activities associated with this project shall be conducted in such a manner that there shall not be any adverse impact to the following:

1) Protection of Improvements and Survey Monuments- The Contractor shall avoid any damage to improvements such as, but not limited to, fences, gates, utility poles, survey markers or monuments, survey witness trees and cultural sites. The Contractor will be required to repair damage to COR approval.

2) Should any heritage or cultural sites be discovered during operations the Contractor shall immediately stop treatment in that area and contact the COR who will notify the designated Government representative. Protected cultural areas will be flagged for avoidance with white ribbon.

Equipment Requirements. The Contractor shall provide dependable, safe equipment and protective gear that meets all applicable state and federal laws and regulations relating to motor vehicles and equipment. The Government reserves the right to conduct inspections at any time.

Noxious Weed Control: To prevent the spread of noxious weeds, for each task order, the following apply

(i) Contractor shall thoroughly wash equipment to remove plant parts, weed, dirt, and mud from equipment prior to entry into Federal Land. This includes trailers, tracks, wheels and under carriage equipment and any part of the equipment used for this contract. Contractor shall employ whatever cleaning methods necessary to ensure that equipment is free of noxious weeds.

Fire Tool Box. The contractor shall provide a fire toolbox.

Contractor Quality Control The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of this contract. The role of the Government is quality assurance to ensure contract standards are met.

The Contractor shall submit a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to the Contracting Officer (CO) and the COR for each Task Order prior to beginning work on the Task Order. The Contractor shall submit the QCP to the CO and COR no later than 5 calendar days before beginning work on each Task Order unless (a) otherwise approved by the CO in writing, or

(b) the Contractor submitted, and the Government approved a QCP as part of that specific Task Order award evaluation process.

The QCP shall specify how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met; the supervision of crew and work; and the personnel that will be performing the quality control. Quality control includes the monitoring of quality while work is in progress. The Contractor may utilize a range of methods to determine the Contractor’s compliance with the contract specifications. During the issuance of certain Task Orders and work items, the Contractor may propose, or the Government may require the use of a plot-based quality control to determine the actual quality percentage. In addition to the description of how quality will be monitored to assure that performance standards are met, the plan shall also include: (1) corrective or preventive actions that will be taken to meet quality standards; and (2) location of the inspection documents and other quality control records.

Records of quality inspections shall be kept and made available to the Government throughout the performance period and for the period after contract completion until final settlement of any claims under this contract.

Contractor Quality Control (QC) Methodology

(a) Non Plot Based QC: All work activities. The Contractor shall perform Quality Control in accordance with the Task Order-specific Contractor Quality Control plan(s).

(b) Plot Based QC: All work activities. The Contractor shall perform Quality Control in accordance with the Task Order-specific Contractor Quality Control plan(s). When required by the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan or by the Government, the Contractor shall use plot inspections that conform to the requirements specified here:

(1) The Contractor shall maintain a plot system that provides an unbiased sample of quality and which represents the entire area treated. The Contractor shall sample at least one random 1/20th acre plot per 5 acres. The Government may observe or re-inspect the Contractor’s plots at any time.

(i) The Contractor shall mark and identify each inspection plot center on the ground.

(ii) The Contractor shall provide written inspection data by unit that meets contract requirements and a sketch map with plot locations. The Contractor shall use the Inspection Plot Forms provided in the Task Order or another form included with the Contractor provided Quality Control Plan.

(iii) All Contractor inspection records shall be provided to the Government based on the schedule proposed by the Contractor and agreed to by the COR for quality assurance assessment consistent with the Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. The person who conducted the Contractor’s inspection shall sign and date each sheet and certify that the inspection records are complete and accurate.

(c) The contractor shall submit a Quality Control Plan specific to work activities in each Task Order.

Measurement

(a) Measurement. Unit linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plane within the established boundaries. Boundaries may be marked by (a) an obvious timber type difference, (b) flagging, and/or (c) paint. The COR will inform the Contractor of the marking convention either verbally or on the Summary Information Chart provided with Task Orders.

(b) Remeasurement.

(1) The Contractor may at any time after award request remeasurement of any treatment area. The request must be made in writing and supported by written documentation. Remeasurement will be made within the established boundaries for activities measured in acres, or along the linear path in the case of work activities measured in miles or chains.

The Contractor shall pay for the cost of remeasurement and the original acreage or distance will be used as the basis for payment if the remeasurement results in:

(i) An increase of less than 1 acre on units smaller than 20 acres or less than one chain on items smaller than 20 chains.

(ii) An increase of less than 5 percent on units larger than 20 acres or longer than 20 chains.

Quality at unacceptable performance level, less than 90 percent (unless otherwise specified in individual task orders).

Whenever the quality of work is below 90 percent based on the results of the Contractor’s quality control inspection and verified by the Government monitoring, the work is unacceptable and rework will be required. Individual Task orders may specify alternative acceptable performance levels.

(1) Unacceptable Work

Any unit, with quality less 90 percent, is considered unacceptable and may be rejected. Individual Task orders may specify alternative acceptable performance levels. For these areas the Government may (i) require the area to be re-worked at no additional expense to the Government, or (ii) reject the work in its entirety. If the quality is unacceptable, the Contractor's right to proceed is subject to immediate termination for default.

When work quality falls below 90 percent in areas of 1 acre or larger and the quality of work can be corrected, the Government may require the area to be reworked. Individual Task orders may specify alternative acceptable performance levels.

The Government will document unacceptable work quality in the performance assessment.

Fire Control The Government may supplement, modify or replace in specific Task Orders at the time they are issued.

(a) Contractor's Responsibility for Contractor-Caused Fires. The Contractor, whether or not directed by the Forest Service, shall immediately extinguish, without expense to the Government, all fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are caused by Contractor's employees, whether set directly or indirectly as a result of Contractor operations. The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and costs of additional labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation resulting from fires set or caused by the Contractor's employees or resulting from contract operations.

Any employees and equipment furnished will be relieved from firefighting as soon as the Forest Service finds that it is practicable to employ other labor and equipment adequate for the protection of the area.

An equitable adjustment in contract time may be made for this period.

(c) Fire Protection Requirements - Fire Plan. At all times during closed fire season period, as specified by State law, the Contractor shall comply with each of the following provisions to the extent applicable to the Contractor’s operation under the contract.

(1) Fire Tools. The Contractor will provide for each employee in the contract area at least one approved hand tool of a type appropriate in the contract area, such as shovel, pulaski, or ax. Tools required and furnished under (2) and (4) below, shall count toward fulfillment of the above requirement. Where additional tools, beyond those required under (2) and (4) below, are to be provided, the Contractor shall seal such tools in one or more boxes painted red and marked "Tools for Fire Only." All tools required herein shall be kept sharp and in good serviceable condition and maintained at locations to be designated by the Forest Service.

(2) Fire Extinguishers and Tools on Mobile or Stationary Equipment. Each unit of powered equipment used in connection with this contract, including but not limited to automobiles, trucks, tractors, excavators etc., shall be equipped with serviceable tools and fire extinguishers as follows:

One - fire extinguisher, dry chemical type of not less than 2-1/2 pound capacity with 4 BC or higher rating.

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal.

One - ax, 2 pounds or over, 26-inch minimum length, or one pulaski.

One - water container (at least 1-gallon capacity), not required with stationary equipment.

(3) Spark Arresters. Each internal combustion engine shall be provided with a spark arrester or spark arresting device approved by the Forest Service. Exceptions where the Forest Service may approve mufflers, or other equipment in lieu of spark arresters qualified and rated under Forest Service Standard 5100-1a are: (a) small multiposition engines, such as chain saws, shall meet Society of Automotive Engineers J335b standards; (b) passenger-carrying vehicles and light trucks may have baffle-type mufflers with tail pipe; (c) heavy-duty trucks may have a vertical stack exhaust system and muffler, provided the exhaust stack extends above the cab of the vehicle. An exhaust-driven turbocharger is considered to be a satisfactory spark arrester. Internal combustion engine exhaust systems, arresters, and other devices must be properly installed and maintained.

(4) Powersaws. For each powersaw used in connection with this contract, the following will be provided:

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal. Shovel must be immediately available for use.

One - Fire extinguisher, containing not less than 8 ounces of extinguisher fluid, or a dry chemical powder-type of not less than 1-pound capacity. The extinguisher must be immediately accessible to the saw operator at all times.

Any fueling or refueling of a powersaw shall only be done in an area which has first been cleared or is free of all material capable of carrying fire; powersaw shall be moved at least 10 feet from place of fueling before starting.

(5) Blasting. Fuse or prima cord shall not be used unless authorized in writing by the COR with special precautions stated.

(6) Smoking. Smoking shall not be permitted within the contract area except on surfaced or dirt roads, at landings, within closed vehicles, in camps, or at other posted places, and shall never be allowed while working or traveling on foot.

(7) Storage of Petroleum and Other Highly Flammable Products.